SAN ANTONIO -- The Alamo has enthralled a famous singer from Great Britain.

Phil Collins, a London native, is a huge Alamo enthusiast.

Collins has collected nearly 200 artifacts and may write a book about the Texas shrine.

Collins has purchased the diorama constructed by author Mike Lemon for his book and has funded digs for artifacts under the history store next door to the Alamo.

"I do feel it's an incredible place," he said in an interview with KSAT 12 News on Tuesday. "What happened here was extraordinarily brave."
Collins is in San Antonio for the anniversary of the famous battle that led to Texas independence.

He became intrigued with the Alamo as a kid in Britain after watching the movie about the historic battle starring John Wayne.

Collins has been visiting the Alamo City since 1973.

The 58-year-old is scheduled to speak before the Alamo Defenders Descendants Association on Saturday, March 7, 2009.